Kirtland Hills police chief placed on paid administrative leave

The Kirtland Hills police chief was placed on paid administrative leave the morning of March 17.
Chief Gerald Smith was placed on leave after an internal investigation into the village’s credit card and petty cash accounts, said the village’s attorney, Virginia Davidson of Calfee, Halter and Griswold.
At a regularly scheduled Village Council meeting on Monday evening, the council voted to appoint Sgt. Steve Payne as acting chief, she said.
No criminal charges have been filed, but the incident has been referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Davidson added.
Attorney Michael Hennenberg, who is representing Smith, said his client always has and will continue to treat his colleagues in the police department, the village and its residents with respect.
“Chief Smith loves the residents of the village and has always tried to serve them to the best of his ability,” Hennenberg said. “He recognizes that there is an investigation into financial matters of his office. He is fully cooperating with an audit to determine what is fair and correct.”
An attempt to reach Smith for comment was unsuccessful.
Longtime Village Solicitor I. James Hackenberg has known Smith about 30 years.
“It’s premature to talk about anything until the investigation is completed,” he said.
Village Council will next examine the issue at an April 7 meeting.
Staff Writer Betsy Scott contributed to this report.

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